Wobble motion mechanism



July 31, 1952 E. G. HENRlcKsoN: ETAL 3,046,695

woBBLE MOTION MECHANISM Filed Sept. 22, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 31, 1962 E. G. HENRlcKsoN ETAL 3,046,695

woBBLE MOTION MECHANISM Filed Sept. 22, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l eorgeAMoore IN V EN TORS BY M@ United States Patent ffice 3,046,695 Patented July 31., 1962 3,046,695 WQBBLE MOTION MECHANISM Erling G. Henrickson, 9151 S. Hobart Blvd., Los Angeles 47, Calif., and George A. Moore, 1607 Crest Ave., Encinitas, Calif.

Filed Sept. 22, 1958, Ser. No. 762,462 8 Claims. (Cl. i6-104) The present invention relates to improvements in mechanisms for translating rotary motion into wobble motion such as in animated pull toys and the like and more particularly to the type which has means for producing wobbling and oscillating movements similar to those of a person paddling a canoe or kayak.

In general, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an animated pull toy having a longitudinal frame in the shape of a boat, canoe or kayak. 'I'he boat is rotatably mounted on a shaft and at least one pair of wheels, and optionallyl a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of wheels, for engagement with the ground when the toy is being pulled. A vertically extending member, preferably in the shape of a person holding a transversely extending doubleended paddle, is movably carried by the frame and is adapted to be moved by pulling the toy over the ground.

Carried by the shaft and rotatable therewith are means which operatively cooperate with the vertically extending member to cause it to wobble and oscillate and thus simulate the movements of a person paddling a kayak. 4This wobbling and oscillating means broadly includes a sleeve surrounding the shaft carrying the wheels and a pair of spaced members having outer cylindrical bearing surfaces which rotatably engage the inner surface of the sleeve -and are oppositely and eccentrically xed on the shaft.

As the wheels and shaft are rotated, the eccentrically mounted cylindrical surfaces cause the sleeve to wobble and oscillate, which movement is imparted to the attached vertically extending member in the shape of a man. The result is an animated pull toy which when pulled over the ground simulates the motions of a person paddling a kayak.

While the wob'bling and oscillating means used in this device is Well suited for use in a toy because of the varied movements that are produced, it is contemplated and should be understood that there are other uses for this means. For example, the oscillating and wobbling movements produced by this means can be utilized in devices such as vibrators, paint mixers, sifters, fruit sorters or other similar devices. After the wobbling and oscillating means is hereinafter described in detail, it will more readily be understood how this structure can be used in other devices than toys.

An object of the present invention is the provision of improvements in wobble mechanisms particularly for toys adapted to be animated by -being pulled, pushed or otherwise moved.

Another object-is to provide an improved antimated pull toy which has means for producing wobbling and oscillating life-like movements similar to a person paddling a kayak.

A further object of the invention is the provision of novel means for producing wobbling and oscillating movements for use in combination with various devices which require such a movement.

Still another object is to provide a novel means for producing wobbling and oscillating movements including a driven shaft, a sleeve spaced from and surrounding the shaft, `and a pair of spaced cylindrical members oppositely and eccentrically lixed on the'shaft and rotatably carried on the inner surface of the sleeve.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a` perspective view, with parts broken away, of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the kayak p-addler and the wobbling and oscillating means of the present invention in sequential paddling positions as the wheels are being rotated.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the wobbling and oscillating means having an adjustable means for varying the angle between the axis of the shaft and the axis of the sleeve, the shaft being shown in dotted outline in concentric relation with the sleeve, and in full lines in angular relation with the sleeve axis.

FIG. 6 shows a transverse section of the device taken along the plane VI-VI of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7 to 10 show the wobbling and oscillating means of the present invention in various positions and with modified forms of cooperating structure to exemplify its use in other devices than toys.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is Ashown in FIG. 1 (which is illustrative of a preferred embodiment) an animated pull toy having a substantially horizontal frame in the shape of a boat 16 which movably carries a substantially vertically extending member 17 in the shape of a man holding a transversely disposed double-ended paddle 18. The boat 16 has spaced sides 21 and 22 which rotatably carry a transversely disposed, substantially horizontal shaft 23. A pair of spaced wheels 24 and 25 are fixed on either end of the shaft 23 and are adapted to engage the surface of the ground, floor, or the like.

On the deck or upper surface of the boat 16, guide means 26 may be provided for limiting longitudinal and lateral movement of the vertically extending member 17. The guide means 26 may be transversely extending slot through which a rod 27 passes and'is allowed to swing laterally but not move longitudinally of the boat 16. A string or rope 28 may be provided on the front end of the boat 16 for providing means for pulling the boat over the surface of the ground to allow the wheels 24 and 2S to act as driving members and rotate the shaft 23.

A portion of the boat structure 16 in FIG. 1 has been broken away to disclose the oscillating and wobbling means indicated generally at 30 which imparts the life-like movements to the vertically extending member 17 which simulates a man paddling a kayak. The means 30 may include a transversely disposed sleeve 31 spaced from and surrounding the shaft 23 between the sides 21 and 22 and having an axis indicated by the dotted line A which angularly intersects the axis of the shaft 23. The means 30 also may include means lixed on the shaft 23 adapted to rotatably cooperate with the inner surface of the sleeve 31 for causing sleeve 3K1 to wobble and oscillate when the shaft 23 is rotated. This rotatable means may be a pair of spaced members 32 and 33 having spherical portions of a diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the sleeve 3l, thus permitting the members 32 and 33 to rotate therein. As shown in FIGS. l to 4, the members 32 and 33 are oppositely and eccentrically fixed on the shaft 23 thus producing opposite resulting movements to the sleeve 31. The rod 27 carrying the vertically extending member member 17 is rotated 'slightly to the right about an `axis passing through the rod 27, but is leaning to the left with the paddle 35 forwardly of and lower than the paddle 36, or in the exact opposite position from that shown in FIG. 3. When the toy has been pulled forwardly and the wheel 24 has been rotated in a counterclock-wise position to move the indicator C 90 (FIG. 2) from the position shown in FIG. 1, the member 17 has rotated slightly -to the left about an axis passing through the rod 27, thus moving the paddle rearwardly and paddle 36 forwardly `and simulating the movement of the paddle 35 passing through the water and impelling the boat forwardly. In FIG. 3, it is seen that the boat 15 has been moved forwardly to rotate the wheel 24 90 from lthe position shown in FIG. 2, as indicated by the indicator C, which causes the vertically extending member 17 to shift rightwardly as seen in the drawing, thus lowering the paddle 36 and raising the paddle 35. 1n this position, the vertically extending member 17 is still slightly rotated to the left about an axis passing through the rod 27 with the oar 36 forwardly of the oar 35. Upon rotating the wheel 24 90 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 4, the vertically extending member 17 is slightly rotated `to the right about an axis passing through ythe rod 27 thus causing the paddle 36 to move rearwardly and the paddle 35 to move forwardly in the exact opposite movement from that shown in FIG. 2. This movement of FIG. 4 thus simulates the passing of paddle 36 through the water and again pushing `the boat forwardly. When the wheel 24 has been rotated another 90 until it is in the original position shown in FIG. l, the vertically extending member 17 is shifted to the left or the opposite side of the `boat with the paddle 35 slightly forwardly of and below fthe paddle 36 thus simulating the position of a paddler beginning to insert the paddle 35 into the water. The above described movements occur very rapidly and impart a very lifelike movement to the vertically extending FIGURE 17.

In FIGS. 5 :and 6, another embodiment of the wobbling and oscillating means is indicated generally `at 40 and may include a transversely disposed sleeve 41 (in broken lines) and a one-piece hollow rotatable member 42. having spaced spherical end members 43 and 44 joined by a central portion 45 which may be of reduced diameter.

The rotatable end members 43 and 44 serve lthe same function as the members 32 and 33 shown in FIGS. l to 4. Each of the end members 43 and 44 is desirably hollow and communicates with the `other by means of an opening through the central portion 45. The drive shaft 2.3 passes through the rotatable member 42 and is adjustably mounted therein by 4adjustment means indicated generally at 46. This adjustment means may include 'a counteishaft 47 which is rotatably mounted in the central portion 45 of the rotatable member 42 about an axis angularly related to the axis of Athe sleeve 41. The drive shaft 23 is desirably iixedly held in a transverse' opening of countershaft 47 by suitable means, preferably by frictional contact in the opening, so that the drive shaft is arcuately swingable within the members 43 and 44 as countershaft 47 rotates in the opening formed in the central portion `45. Thus the shaft 23 may be adjusted to any desired `angular position relative to the axis of sleeve 41, the latter axis being indicated at A; the position of xthe shaft 23 in solid lines in FIG. 5 is at an angle D from the shaft position in dotted outline, which is coincident with axis A. A set screw 48 may be provided for locking the countershaft 47 and shaft 23 in any given position to prevent the angle D from being changed. In order 4to gain laccess to the set screw 48, an opening 49 may be provided in the sleeve 41.

As described hereinabove, the wobbling and oscillating means of the present invention can be used in other devices than toys where the movements produced can be utilized toA move a vibrator, sifter, or sorter. As shown in FIG. 7, an oscillating and wobbling mechanism means indicated generally .at 50 may be provided having a drive shaft 51 which is rotatably mounted in suitable bearing supports 52 and a drive wheel 53 connected at one end thereof. An angularly disposed sleeve 54 surrounds the drive shaft 51 and has outwardly extending driven member 55 tixed thereto. A pair of spaced spherical members 56 and 57 are oppositely and eccentrically iixed on the shaft 51 to rotatably engage the inner surface of the sleeve 54 in the same manner as described for :the structures shown in FIGS. l to 4. The outwardly extending driven member 55 will wobble and oscillate in conformity with the movement of sleeve 54 and can be attached to a movable member of any device such as a vibrator or the like which requires this type of movement.

In FIG. 8, the same wobbling and oscillating means 50 is shown having `the outwardly extending driven member 55 engaging an opening in a member 58. By changing the distance between the member 5S and the laxis of the rod 51, the amplitude of the movement of the end of the rod 55 can be controlled and varied. Therefore, this construction may be desirable if there is a prescribed amplitude for a driven member which is adapted to be secured to the outer end of the rod 55.

As seen in FIG. 9, the oscillating and wobbling mechanism 5t) is shown having a cross piece 59 secured to the driven rod 55 as a means for taking olf additional movements from the basic oscillating and wobbling motions created by the means 50. As shown by the arrows, the ends of the cross piece 59 will produce a substantially circular motion while the end of the rod 55 will produce the same oscillating and wobbling motion as described hereinabove. With this type of structure, it is possible to secure `any number of driven members on the ends of the cross piece 59 or on the end of the rod 55.

In FIG. l0, the wobbling and oscillating means 50 is illustrated having the outwardly extending driven rod 55 attached thereto. A driven wheel 60 is xed on the end of .the rod 55 and is adapted to produce movements in accordance with the motions of the sleeve 54. A guide 61 may be provided having a guide slot 62 therethrough which receives the rod 55. The guide 61 limits the transverse movement of the rod 55 and also prevents the rod from moving1 upwardly yor downwardly. The driven wheel 60 will move back and forth limited by the guide 61 and will also rotate upwardly and downwardly about an axis passing through the rod 55 in response to the movements produced by `the oscillating and wobbling means 5t). It is thus seen that a somewhat different type of movement can be taken olf of the driven wheel 60 from those described he'reinbefore. For example, if this type of structure were used in 'a toy, a ilag or tailpiece could be attached to the driven wheel 60, thus providing an additional movable member for the animated toy.

It should therefore be readily understood from the foregoing description of the various oscillating and wobbling means disclosed that devices other than a toy can utilize the motions produced.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention will be possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically herein described.

We claim:

l. An animated pull toy comprising: a substantially horizontal, longitudinal frame having transversely spaced sides in the shape of a boat; a transversely disposed, substantially horizontal shaft rotatably carried at its ends by said sides; spaced wheels fixed on said shaft and adapted to engage a surface; a transversely disposed sleeve surrounding said shaft between said wheels and having an axis which angularly intersects the axis of said shaft; a substantially vertically extending member in the shape of a man holding a transversely disposed double-ended paddle fixed on said sleeve; guide means on said boat frame having an opening formed therein for slidably receiving the vertically extending member and thereby limiting longitudinal and lateral movement of said member; rotatable means fixed on said shaft and having two bearing surfaces rotatably cooperating with the inner surface of said sleeve for causing said sleeve andy man member to wobble and oscillate when said shaft is rotated; and adjustable means operatively connected to said shaft for Varying the angle between the axis of said sleeve and the axis of said shaft.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said rotatable means includes a pair of spaced spherical members having outer bearing surfaces which rotatably engage the inner surface of said sleeve.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said adjustable means includes a counter-shaft rotatably mounted within said rotatable means at approximately the center thereof and about an axis substantially perpendicular to said transverse shaft axis, said transverse shaft passing through and fixed to said counter-shaft, a set screw threadedly mounted in said rotatable means for engagement with said counter-shaft, and an opening provided in said sleeve for access to said set screw.

4. In an animated pull tOy: a drive shaft rotatably mounted lat its ends; a sleeve spaced from and surrounding said shaft; a pair of spaced spherical members oppositely and eccentrically fixed on said shaft and rotatably carried at opposite ends of the inner surface of said sleeve; an elongated rigid member fixed to the sleeve and projecting outwardly therefrom; and means fixed relative to the axis of said shaft and including a guide opening for slidably receiving said projecting member, whereby when the shaft and spherical members are rotated, the sleeve will move with a wobbling and oscillating motion.

5. An animated pull toy comprising: a substantially horizontal, longitudinal frame, having transversely spaced sides in the shape of a boat; a transversely disposed, substantially horizontal shaft rotatably carried at its ends by said spaced sides; spaced wheels lixed on said shaft and adapted to engage a surface; a transversely disposed sleeve surrounding said shaft bet-Ween said wheels and having an axis which angularly intersects the axis of said shaft; a substantially vertically extending member iixed on said sleeve; rotatable means fixed on said shaft and rotatably cooperating with the inner surface of said sleeve for causing said sleeve and vertically extending member to wobble and oscillate when said shaft is rotated, said rotatable means including a pair of spaced spherical members oppositely and eccentrically fixed on said shaft and rotatably carried at opposite ends of said sleeve; and guide means on said boat frame having an opening formed therein for slidably receiving the vertically extending member and thereby limiting longitudinal and lateral movement of said member.

6. An animated pull toy comprising: a substantially horizontal lframe rotatably carrying a transversely disposed shaft, spaced wheels fixed on said shaft and adapted to engage a surface; a transversely disposed sleeve surrounding said shaft between said wheels; means fixed on said shaft and operatively cooperating with said sleeve for causing said sleeve to wobble and oscillate when said shaft is rotated; adjustable means operatively connected to said shaft for varying the angle between the axis of said sleeve and the axis of said shaft; a substantially vertically extending member fixed on said sleeve and adapted to wobble with said sleeve; and guide means having an opening formed therein extending parallel to and fixed relative to the shaft axis, the opening being adapted to slidably receive therein said vertically extending member for limiting longitudinal and lateral movement of said vertical member. i

7. ln an animated pull toy: a substantially horizontal drive shaft rotatably mounted at its ends; a sleeve spaced from and surrounding said shaft and having an axis which angularly intersects the axis of said shaft; rotatable means including a pair of spaced spherical members oppositely and eccentrically fixed on said shaft and rotatably carried at opposite ends of said sleeve providing two bearing surfaces rotatably cooperating with the inner surface of said sleeve for causing said sleeve to wobble and oscillate when said shaft is rotated, and means including a guide opening fixed yrelative to the axis of said shaft and an elongated guide member fixed to said sleeve and projecting therefrom and slidable in said -opening for limiting movement of the sleeve axially of said shaft.

8. In an animated pull toy: a substantially horizontal i drive shaft rotatably mounted at its ends; a sleeve spaced from and surrounding said shaft and having an axis which angularly intersects the axis of said shaft; rotatable means fixed on said shaft and having two bearing surfaces rotatably cooperating with the inner surface of said sleeve for causing said sleeve to wobble and oscillate when said shaft is rotated; adjustable means operatively connected to said shaft for varying the angle between the axis of said sleeve and the axis of said shaft; and means including a guide opening fixed relative to the axis of said shaft and an elongated guide member fixed to said sleeve and projecting therefrom and slidable in said opening for limiting movement of the sleeve axially o-f said shaft.

' References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,572,473 Ferguson Feb. 9, 1926 1,799,167 Hulsebos Apr. 7, 1931 2,419,872 Beder Apr.,29, 1947 2,702,483 Girodin Feb. 22, 1955 2,810,986 Doe et al Oct. 29, 1957 2,885,823 Smith May 12, 1959 2,913,911 Gilkeyv Nov. 24, 1959 

